Applying forensic technology for crimes investigations in cold cases

Abstract

It focuses on advanced forensic technologies as a key piece in the puzzle of solving cold cases—crimes that go unsolved usually because there is no one to hold accountable, the memories of close witnesses fade or the old means of gathering information do not meet today’s standards. It illustrates how recent advances in technology, particularly those related to DNA kitting, genotyping, digital forensics and AI analysis have transformed law enforcement’s capacity to revisit and finally solve these cases that were once believed unsolvable. The paper describes the problems that cold cases create, such as evidence deterioration or lack of preservation, and the difficulty involved in reopening old investigations. It also highlights the game-changing effects of contemporary techniques such as next-generation DNA sequencing, re-evaluations in forensic pathology, and the use of AI to assist with collating large data sets and improve accuracy—and speed—of investigations. And there have been high-profile solves of cold cases, such as the Golden State Killer identification, that demonstrate how useful these technologies can be. In addition, the paper explores the emerging impact of forensic specialists who use novel scientific methods to re-evaluate past evidence in an impartial manner and by providing better solutions for justice. It is expected that the future of cold case investigations will strongly depend on further innovations in AI, machine learning and bioinformatics to achieve a more sensitive and deeper analysis on small or decomposed samples. Concerns of ethical nature regarding genetic privacy and data safety are seen as necessary for responsible use of such a novel technology. Finally, it is contended that the assimilation of these multi-disciplinary forensic developments is certain to have a major impact on solve rates while providing long overdue justice to victims and their families, all within the context of moving forensic investigations from reactive strategies to proactive tactics in solving enduring criminal mysteries. This abstract is a part of the intersection between forensic science and technology as work horses to meet the difficult problems facing cold case investigations and illustrates how justice can be realized for unsolved crimes.